14 Time Management Tips

Do you want to make better use of your time at work? If so, you're not alone. We all want to be more productive in order to get ahead in our careers; however, none of us want to spend every waking hour at work.

Time management is really about managing yourself. It's about making a commitment to be more organised, maintain your focus and use your time to your best advantage.

Here are some tips to help you become active and proactive with your time.

stick to the plan

1- Maintain a to-do list

Create a to-do list and make it a habit to continually update it. Include urgent and non-urgent items so you'll never forget or overlook anything again. Carry your list with you at all times, either in your iPhone or your daily agenda. Also, be sure to break down your projects and assignments into specific action points. For instance, instead of noting "Prepare Performance Reviews," write:

Research absenteeism records on employees

Review personal files

Read employee goals

Assess performance

Prepare "Performance Review" documentation

Meet with employees to discuss reviews

2- Allocate your time

Include an estimated time frame for each action point and the date by which the task must be completed. If the order in which you perform the tasks doesn't matter, you might be able to accomplish something during unexpected pockets of free time. For instance, you could research information on the internet while waiting in your office for a conference call to begin.

3- Set and respect deadlines

Be realistic about setting deadlines and strive to meet them. It's true that any task takes the exact amount of time allotted to it. Have you ever noticed how quickly you can blitz through paperwork, delegate assignments and make decisions on the last day before you go on holiday? Although we tend to get a lot done when we're under pressure, it is a lot less stressful and considerably more professional to establish and stick to an action plan.

avoid wasting time

4- Use your time wisely

Consider accessing your e-mail only at certain times of the day and let your voice mail pick up your calls to give you an uninterrupted hour or two. If possible, never touch the same piece of paper or e-mail twice. Do not open your mail unless you have time to read it and take action on it; that is, reply to it, delegate it, file it or discard it.